Buddhist Festivals Around the World

Millions of people across the planet Earth are pursuing the divine trail Buddhism founder Buddha Shakyamuni blazed over 2,000 years ago. From Japan to the United States, people are practicing Buddhism with love, peace and wisdom. And many cities celebrate this religion at festivals. There’s Esala Perahera in Getambe, Sri Lanka, one of the oldest Buddhist festivals in Sri Lanka; and there’s Yeon Deung Hoe (Lotus Lantern Festival) in Seoul, South Korea, where monks dance, lanterns glow and the celebration is capped with the Daedong Celebration. Many cities celebrate Obon festivals that feature Bon Odori dancing. And since this beautiful, peaceful religion is worldwide, it might be easier than you’d expect to find a Buddhist festival nearby.